File No. 861.00/296
Ambassador Francis to the Secretary of State
Petrograd, March 22, 1917, 9 p.m.
1124. Accompanied by Embassy suite was received by Council of Ministers 4.30 p.m. After introduction by Milioukov spoke as follows:
Mr. President of the Council of Ministers:
I have the honor as American Ambassador and as representative of the Government of the United States accredited to Russia, to state in accordance with my instructions that the Government of the United States recognizes the new Government of Russia and that I, as Ambassador of the United States, will be pleased to continue intercourse with Russia through the medium of the new Government. May the cordial relations existing between the two countries continue to obtain and may they prove mutually satisfactory and beneficial.
Every Minister present except Minister of War who out of city. Milioukov replied expressing great gratification and saying it was first formal recognition of new Government; was highly appreciated and would have great moral effect, et cetera. Have since heard that British and French Ambassadors formally recognized Government in note sent to Foreign Office 3 p.m., but I had formerly recognized Government in interview with Milioukov at 11 a.m.